I loved the first episode, too. What delightful characters, the women especially. The cat and lace scene was a hoot and I cracked up at the cow in the huge flannel jammies. I also loved the women running around town to spread their gossip, especially the scene where they are running down the street and the poor guys carrying the chair are trying to keep up. I am really looking forward to the rest of the episodes. Masterpiece is truly in a class by itself._________________So many books; so little time!
www.shelfari.com/tinabelle

How about the scene where the ladies all went to the privacy of their rooms to suck on their oranges? What a great series! I didn't expect it to be so funny. I loved the look on Eileen Atkins face when she was offered the offensively "popular" Dickens novel. Can't wait for next week!

LOVED Cranford! For all those other fans, apparently there's going to be a two-part special, but it won't air until Christmas, 2009. I assume that date is for the UK and not necessarily for Masterpiece Theatre.

I just finished watching this this morning and I loved it. Though for something I thought was going to be a comedy (and it was of course very funny), wow, it had some heartbreaking moments. Really wonderful performances, especially by Imelda Staunton and Judi Dench.

Count me among those who loved Cranford. The characters were just so delightful, and I felt as if I had peeked into the life of a town - some comedy, some drama, some sadness, some triumphs, some tragedies. There were some very touching moments in this final episode. I am such a fan of the BBC productions and I wish we would see more of them here in the US._________________So many books; so little time!
www.shelfari.com/tinabelle

I for one am bummed out. I missed the last episode on Sunday so watched half of it on my computer on Thursday. When I went to watch the last half, it was no longer available! So I guess I'll have to pay to rent it and find out how the story wraps up.